Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream
Key Ingredients for Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream
- 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks or 340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (120g) white chocolate chips
How to Make Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream
Prepare for pure holiday bliss with this Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream. This recipe is a breeze to make, promising incredibly creamy and decadent fudge that melts in your mouth, infused with the perfect hint of peppermint. The vibrant swirls add a beautiful visual appeal, making it a standout treat. Get ready for a satisfying sweet escape in approximately 45 minutes of active preparation time, plus chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk.
- Cook the Base: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil but do not stir once it begins to boil.
- Boil to Soft Ball Stage: Continue boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, for exactly 5 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy; you are aiming for the soft-ball stage, which is around 235-240°F (113-116°C).
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Let the mixture cool undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches approximately 110°F (43°C). The mixture will start to thicken slightly.
- Beat Until Thickened: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat the fudge mixture on medium-high speed. Continue beating until the fudge thickens considerably and starts to lose its glossy sheen. It should become opaque and reach a consistency where it holds its shape when dropped from a spoon. This can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
- Divide and Color: Quickly divide the thickened fudge mixture into two equal portions. In one portion, stir in the 1/4 cup of milk and the red food coloring until you achieve a uniform, festive red color. Leave the other portion plain white.
- Assemble the Swirls: Spoon dollops of both the white and red fudge mixtures alternately into the prepared baking pan. Avoid overfilling one section before adding the other.
- Create the Swirls: Insert a knife or skewer into the fudge and gently swirl the colors together. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can make the colors muddy. Aim for distinct ribbons of red and white.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the swirled fudge.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the pan back over very low heat for a minute or two, or microwave the pan in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate chips are softened and begin to melt.
- Distribute the Chocolate: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the swirled fudge, sealing the swirls.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm.
- Cut and Serve: Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into desired squares. Enjoy your Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream!
Why You’ll Love This Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream
This Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream is a holiday showstopper with its impossibly creamy texture that truly dissolves on your tongue. The delightful combination of rich chocolate and invigorating peppermint creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and festive, making it a wonderful alternative to traditional candy canes or peppermint bark. Making this fudge at home is not only incredibly rewarding but also remarkably budget-friendly compared to purchasing gourmet holiday sweets, allowing you to create a large batch of festive cheer without breaking the bank.
The beautifully marbled red and white swirls, topped with melted chocolate chips, make this fudge a visual as well as a culinary masterpiece, perfect for party platters or thoughtful edible gifts. Imagine the joy on your loved ones’ faces as they experience this dreamy confection, a testament to your homemade holiday spirit. Ready to infuse your season with a touch of magic? Give this Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream a try today and taste the difference homemade goodness makes!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your delicious Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure the fudge is completely cooled and firm before sealing the container to prevent condensation. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the fudge for up to 2 weeks, though it might slightly firm up. If you wish to freeze it for extended enjoyment, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen fudge can be kept for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen fudge, the best method is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Avoid reheating this fudge, as the texture is best when served chilled or at room temperature. If the fudge becomes too hard due to refrigeration or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before cutting and serving to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream is a truly magical holiday treat that’s surprisingly simple to create. Its creamy texture and delightful peppermint flavor make it an unforgettable addition to any festive occasion. Give it a try this season and spread some homemade holiday cheer!
Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk.1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened, 3 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup evaporated milk
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil but do not stir once it begins to boil.
- Continue boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, for exactly 5 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy; you are aiming for the soft-ball stage, which is around 235-240°F (113-116°C).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Let the mixture cool undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches approximately 110°F (43°C). The mixture will start to thicken slightly.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with paddle attachment), beat the fudge mixture on medium-high speed. Continue beating until the fudge thickens considerably and starts to lose its glossy sheen. It should become opaque and reach a consistency where it holds its shape when dropped from a spoon. This can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.
- Quickly divide the thickened fudge mixture into two equal portions. In one portion, stir in the 1/4 cup of milk and the red food coloring until you achieve a uniform, festive red color. Leave the other portion plain white.1/4 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Spoon dollops of both the white and red fudge mixtures alternately into the prepared baking pan. Avoid overfilling one section before adding the other.
- Insert a knife or skewer into the fudge and gently swirl the colors together. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can make the colors muddy. Aim for distinct ribbons of red and white.
- Immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips evenly over the top of the swirled fudge.1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Place the pan back over very low heat for a minute or two, or microwave the pan in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate chips are softened and begin to melt.
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate chips evenly over the swirled fudge, sealing the swirls.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the fudge is completely firm.
- Once firm, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place it on a cutting board and cut into desired squares. Enjoy your Melt In Your Mouth Peppermint Swirl Fudge: A Festive Dream!